Members of an apostolic sect succumbed to cholera in Chirumhanzu District in the Midlands Province after attending a church gathering.
Health officials have attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation, contaminated water supplies and cross-border mobility.
Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with faecal material from an infected person.
Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhoea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability.
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Symptoms typically appear two or three days after exposure but can develop up to five days after exposure.
Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.
Speaking during a recent Midlands provincial chiefs’ advocacy meeting, the provincial epidemiology and disease control officer, Dr Reginald Mhene said the four fatalities were recorded in Chirumanzu District.
He, however, said the disease has since been contained.
“The province recorded a total of 11 cases of cholera mainly in Chirumhanzu and Zvishavane districts. Of the 11 cases, four people succumbed to the disease in Chirumanzu and they had been to an apostolic sect gathering. We have since contained the disease.
He urged chiefs throughout the province to play their part in using their influence by conscientising religious sects to seek medical attention early to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
“We call upon you the traditional leaders to take a leading role in conscientising your subjects and the religious sects to be on the lookout for such diseases when they gather.
If they suspect any case, they should seek early treatment to save lives.
